HOW TO REMOVE OIL STAINS FROM COTTON AND SYNTHETIC FABRIC

Blot gently with a paper towel to remove as much as possible. Scrape off excess oil with a butter knife if necessary. Gently rub liquid dish soap (for handwashing), stain pretreatment or liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let sit for 10 minutes. If using liquid dish soap, be sure to fully remove the soap by rinsing thoroughly before placing the item in the washer. Rinse or machine wash in the warmest water recommended on the care tag. Line dry. Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it, as no washer can completely remove oil and could result in fire. Heat can set stains that aren’t completely removed.

HOW TO GET RID OF OIL STAINS IN WOOL, KNITS & OTHER DELICATES

Mix a mild detergent in the warmest water recommended on the care tag. Add the garment and gently squeeze the soapy solution through it. Soak for 5–10 minutes. Machine wash in the warmest water recommended on the care tag. Line dry. Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it, as no washer can completely remove oil and could result in fire. Heat can set stains that aren’t completely removed.

How To Remove Oil Stains

Oil stains behave differently than other types of stains like coffee or grass, so know what you’re working with. Oil-based stains can include:

Cooking oils like olive, vegetable or canola
Condiments like salad dressing and mayonnaise
Cosmetics like liquid makeup and moisturizers
Oils from your skin that can build up on your shirt collar

The most important thing is to act fast so the stain doesn’t spread or set in further. Before starting to treat the stain, always check your clothing’s care label for any specific requirements.

Cleaning supplies in open washer pedestal.

Blot gently with a paper towel to remove as much as possible. Scrape off excess oil with a butter knife if necessary.
Gently rub liquid dish soap (for handwashing), stain pretreatment or liquid enzyme detergent into the stain and let sit for 10 minutes. If using liquid dish soap, be sure to fully remove the soap by rinsing thoroughly before placing the item in the washer.
Rinse or machine wash in the warmest water recommended on the care tag.
Line dry. Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it, as no washer can completely remove oil and could result in fire. Heat can set stains that aren’t completely removed.

Body oil buildup can cause whites to darken over time. Hot water does the best job of melting away oily soil from whites.

Learn more about which water temps to use for which stains.

Rinsing clothes in the built-in water faucet.

Mix a mild detergent in the warmest water recommended on the care tag.
Add the garment and gently squeeze the soapy solution through it.
Soak for 5–10 minutes.
Machine wash in the warmest water recommended on the care tag.
Line dry. Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it, as no washer can completely remove oil and could result in fire. Heat can set stains that aren’t completely removed.

How to remove set-in oil stains from pants & shirts

Blot stain with a paper towel. Rub liquid dish soap (for handwashing) into the stain, covering it well, and let sit for 10 minutes. Be sure to fully remove the soap by rinsing thoroughly before placing the item in the washer.
Soak in warm or hot water for at least 30 minutes. Dissolve some store-bought stain fighter or detergent in the water if desired. Check your clothing’s care label for specific fabric requirements.
Wash in the warmest water recommended on the care tag.
Line dry. Never machine dry anything that has ever had any type of oil on it, as no washer can completely remove oil and could result in fire. Heat can set stains that aren’t completely removed.